Dual diagnosis in Manchester, UK: practitioners' estimates of prevalence rates in mental health and substance misuse services

Abstract

Background: Dual diagnosis (the combination of mental health and drug/alcohol problems) has been recognized as a major health concern. Most studies in this field stem from the US and information about dual diagnosis prevalence is limited in the UK. Aims: To obtain estimates of dual diagnosis prevalence rates across mental health and substance misuse services in Manchester. Methods: Telephone interviews were carried out with team managers of mental health (n = 24) and substance misuse services (n = 9). Results: The mean percentage of dual diagnosis clients throughout services was 46%. The highest proportions were identified in the assertive outreach team (71%), followed by substance use services (59%), and psychiatric inpatient wards (56%). The acute home treatment team (12%) reported the lowest estimate of clients with dual diagnosis problems. Conclusions: Service providers perceived dual diagnosis to be of major concern across mental health and substance misuse services in Manchester. The estimates were ...